Rekortan GEL GT by Polytan Wins SAPCA’s “Product of the Year” – A Landmark for Sustainable Sport

Polytan is proud to announce that Rekortan GEL GT, its most advanced and environmentally conscious athletics track system to date, has been awarded “Product of the Year” by the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA)—the leading trade body for sports infrastructure in the United Kingdom.

This honour is one of the highest endorsements available in the industry, recognising exceptional product innovation, technical quality, and environmental leadership. As the only athletics surface to receive this recognition in the most recent SAPCA Awards, Rekortan GEL GT sets a new benchmark for what modern sport surfaces can achieve.

An Award That Signals More Than Innovation

SAPCA's “Product of the Year” award is not just a reflection of technical excellence—it’s a signal to facility owners, architects, and public sector stakeholders that a product meets the most rigorous standards for performance and sustainability. Chosen by a panel of independent experts from a competitive field of entries, this award affirms that Rekortan GEL GT delivers not only on the track, but also in addressing the environmental and social responsibilities facing today’s sports infrastructure sector.

As climate goals and ESG requirements become central to procurement decisions, Polytan’s recognition through this award positions Rekortan GEL GT as a future-ready solution for sustainable facility development across the UK and Europe.

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Sustainability Without Compromise

Rekortan GEL GT is Polytan’s first track system manufactured using over 60% renewable raw materials, including plant-based polyols. The system is produced in Europe using renewable electricity, reducing embodied carbon from the outset.

What sets Rekortan GEL GT apart is its gel-based polyurethane composition, which provides consistent force reduction and excellent energy return, even under extreme temperatures. Installed using an in-situ application process, the material levels itself naturally, creating a smooth, even track surface optimised for both performance and safety.

Its robust two-layer construction enables installation times that are 20–25% faster than traditional systems, minimising emissions from on-site operations and allowing facilities to reopen more quickly. The durable PU top layer, with embedded EPDM granules, ensures high spike resistance and long-term colour stability—making it ideal for demanding training and competition use.

Setting the Standard in the UK

The first full installation of Rekortan GEL GT in the UK was completed at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth, a Royal Navy training centre. This project serves as a national example of how elite-level sport surfaces can align with carbon-conscious construction practices.

“Rekortan GEL GT shows what’s possible when performance, sustainability, and innovation are engineered into one system,” said Ashley Appleby, Polytan Sports Surfaces UK. “Being recognised by SAPCA with this award confirms that our vision for environmentally responsible sport is not only relevant—but leading.”

Recognised by the Industry’s Leading Body

Organised by the Sports and Play Construction Association, the SAPCA Awards are considered one of the most respected honours in the UK’s sport and play infrastructure sector. Now in their tenth year, the awards recognise meaningful progress in product design, innovation, and environmental leadership. Recognition from SAPCA places Rekortan GEL GT among a select group of products that are not just built to perform—but built to shape the future of sport.

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